This publication provides estimates of stocks of wheat, barley, and selected other grains and pulses held by bulk grain handlers. These estimates are compiled from the Grain Handlers Stocks Survey (GHSS) conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

In addition to the monthly wheat estimates, quarterly estimates for barley and selected other grains and pulses are available in a separate data cube from the 'Downloads' tab of this publication.

The ABS welcomes any comments from readers regarding the usefulness, range and quality of the statistics presented in this publication. Comments can be forwarded to: Environment and Agriculture Business Statistics Centre, Australian Bureau of Statistics, GPO Box 66, Hobart TAS 7001. Alternatively, email: agriculture.statistics@abs.gov.au, or phone (03) 6222 5939.

CHANGES IN FORTHCOMING ISSUES

Currently, estimates of stocks of barley and selected other grains and pulses are reported on a quarterly basis in data cubes attached to this publication. Following a review of the collections and changing data needs among key clients, collection of these data will cease. Stocks of barley and selected other grains and pulses will not be published for the December 2010 quarter. Updated estimates of stocks of barley and selected other grains and pulses for the March 2011 quarter will appear in the March 2011 issue of this publication, after which no further updates will be published. The publication of monthly data on stocks of wheat held by bulk grain handlers will continue unchanged.

The release of the January 2011 issue of this publication, previously advertised for 24 February 2011, will now occur on 28 February 2011.

KEY POINTS

At the end of October 2010, Australia's bulk storage of wheat grain was estimated at 3.4 million tonnes, which was 33% less than the amount stored at the same time in September 2010. Of the total wheat grain stored by bulk grain handlers, 89% (or 3.1 million tonnes) was milling grade, and 11% (or 0.4 million tonnes) was feed grade. Stocks of wheat grain stored by bulk grain handlers decreased in all states in October 2010, when compared to September 2010.

STOCKS OF WHEAT GRAIN STORED BY BULK GRAIN HANDLERS, at month end

WHEAT GRAIN STORED BY STATE

WHEAT GRAIN STORED BY GRADE(a)

NSW(b)

Vic.(c)

Qld

SA

WA

Aust.

Milling

Feed

'000 t

'000 t

'000 t

'000 t

'000 t

'000 t

'000 t

'000 t

2009-10(d)

October 2009

1 470

71

1 005

256

922

3 724

3 027

697

November 2009

4 066

337

1 217

1 716

2 697

10 033

8 590

1 443

December 2009

4 171

1 557

1 135

3 788

7 137

17 788

15 360

2 428

January 2010

3 856

1 734

1 044

3 789

6 621

17 044

14 642

2 402

February 2010

3 345

1 624

1 006

3 644

5 945

15 564

13 424

2 140

March 2010

2 951

1 450

940

3 475

5 252

14 068

12 133

1 935

April 2010

2 667

1 301

821

3 178

4 803

12 770

11 043

1 727

May 2010

2 238

1 137

694

2 895

4 186

11 150

9 729

1 421

June 2010

1 997

986

608

2 566

3 727

9 884

8 642

1 242

July 2010

1 451

678

457

2 177

3 137

7 900

7 025

875

August 2010

1 351

603

397

1 723

2 613

6 687

5 938

749

September 2010(d)

972

487

320

1 393

1 943

5 115

4 530

585

2010-11(d)

October 2010

567

300

193

898

1 482

3 440

3 066

374

(a) Wheat grain is graded by quality.

(b) Includes ACT.

(c) Includes Tas.

(d) The end of September is used to represent the closing stocks of wheat grain prior to the commencement of the next harvest period (October to September).

INQUIRIES

For further information about these and related statistics, contact the National Information and Referral Service on 1300 135 070.